Chapter 711: Intra-Squad Battle, Who Will Be the "Emperor" and the "Brother"!

Chapter 711: Intra-Squad Battle, Who Will Be the "Emperor" and the "Brother"! (Two-in-One, Vote for Monthly Ticket!)

"Champion's Path!"

"How many years has it been since someone announced they would challenge the 'Champion's Path'?"

"Teacher Jinghe! It's Teacher Jinghe! He's actually going to challenge the 'Champion's Path'?"

"No, we should say it differently. Teacher Jinghe is finally going to challenge the 'Champion's Path'!"

Online.

The Hoenn League finally announced that Jinghe was preparing to challenge the Hoenn League's Champion's Path, and the news immediately went viral on the internet.

Actually, there was no need for the Hoenn League to announce it, as preparing for the "Champion's Path" is no small feat. With so many staff members involved, it was impossible to keep it a secret.

As for who would challenge the Champion's Path, it wasn't hard to guess in the entire Johto region.

After all, who else besides Teacher Jinghe had the qualifications?

Da Wu?

He's still a bit young. Maybe in a year or two, he might have a chance.

However, before this, it was all just speculation. Although there was some buzz, it wasn't significant and was mostly discussed within Johto.

But when the Hoenn League announced the news on the official league website, it confirmed the previous "rumors" from an official source.

One stone stirred up a thousand waves.

Since the Pokémon League's establishment, the "Champion's Path" has been the goal and direction for all trainers with lofty ideals.

But the stronger one becomes, the more one understands the difficulty of the "Champion's Path."

And completing the "Champion's Path" means becoming the "Champion"!

The league hasn't seen a trainer complete the "Champion's Path" for a long time.

Many people have challenged it, but almost none have succeeded.

The reason why the news of Teacher Jinghe preparing to challenge the Champion's Path has caused such a stir is that many people realize that Teacher Jinghe might actually succeed!

And the possibility is not low!

Immediately.

The topic's popularity soared, and countless trainers flocked to Johto to witness Teacher Jinghe's challenge of the "Champion's Path."

Even in the relatively isolated Alola, the news quickly spread.

Three days after the home visit.

"Class is dismissed for today."

Jinghe smiled and announced the end of the lesson.

Mao, the energetic girl, was the first to ask impatiently, "Teacher Jinghe, I heard you're going to challenge the 'Champion's Path.' Is it true?"

Jinghe was taken aback for a moment.

"Did the news reach Alola already?"

"What's the 'Champion's Path'?" Kaki asked, puzzled.

"Using Alola's customs, it's a 'Great Test!'" Mamane explained.

"A Great Test!" Kaki stood up abruptly, her eyes burning with excitement.

In Alola, the Island Tour is a very important custom, almost like a coming-of-age ceremony.

Trainers who meet the age and ability requirements will challenge the Island Tour, traveling across all of Alola.

The Island Tour is divided into three stages.

The first stage is touring the islands and challenging the trials set by the island captains, with the ultimate goal of defeating the islands' dominant Pokémon.

The second stage is challenging the trials set by the Island Chiefs or Island Queens. Each Chief or Queen has different trials, goals, and completion criteria, known as the Great Test of the Island Tour!

Completing the second stage of the Island Tour means that the person will be considered a candidate for Island Chief or Queen in the future!

The third stage, the most difficult, is called the "Ultimate Test" or the "Great Great Test."

Participants must consecutively challenge and defeat four Island Chiefs or Queens.

The completion standard for the "Great Great Test" is to defeat all the Island Chiefs and Queens through battles.

The difficulty is significantly higher than the second stage.

It's said that those who complete the Great Great Test will be granted the title of "King of Alola"!

However, throughout Alola's history, only a few have completed the Great Great Test, and in recent decades, no one has even dared to challenge it.

But like the Champion's Path, the Great Great Test is the ultimate goal for every aspiring young trainer in Alola.

"The Great Great Test", Jinghe's lips twitched.

What a name.

If there were a fourth stage, would it be called the "Great Great Great Test"?

When the Alola League is established, the so-called "Great Great Test" will likely be replaced by the league's "Champion's Path."

But Mamane's explanation was somewhat accurate.

"Since everyone knows", Jinghe leaned against the lectern, crossing his arms and smiling, "I'll announce it now. I'll be taking a few days off."

A few days?

Prepare for a few days and then challenge the "Champion's Path"?

Others who participate in the Great Test of the Island Tour usually prepare for a long time, sometimes even measured in years.

"Teacher Jinghe, are you confident?" Suiran couldn't help but ask softly.

"Confident? A little bit."

Jinghe made a "little bit" gesture with his thumb and index finger.

"Teacher, will you come back?" Lillie asked the question on everyone's mind.

Although Teacher Jinghe had only been teaching for a few days, everyone liked and respected him for his humor, wit, and strength.

"Of course."

This time, Jinghe's answer was very certain.

"I promised Kukui that, regardless of success or failure, I'll return to continue teaching before the Kanaz Pokémon Academy opens."

Alola is so beautiful.

Scenic views, sunshine, beaches, bikinis.

Berries, crops, energy roots.

He also planned to ask Tapu Bulu to help cultivate a batch of saplings and borrow a few Blissey and Mudbray from Kaki's farm after his temporary teaching was over.

The kids here sighed in relief but still felt a bit sad.

Unfortunately, Teacher Jinghe isn't a permanent teacher at the Alola School.

"Anyway, study hard. I'll be checking when I return", Jinghe smiled.

After the home visit, Lillie's memory had been restored, and she had fully embraced herself and Silvion. She could now touch Pokémon again.

She was very grateful to Jinghe but couldn't think of how to express her thanks.

Faced with Jinghe's instructions, she nodded earnestly.

After the class ended, Jinghe left the school.

He entered the "Bear's Forest" and found Pandirant.

Pandirant had already found its child's plush bear.

Who found it? Of course, it was the trio enjoying a large pile of berries in a tree hollow.

That day, they ambushed Zao Bo, catching him off guard and giving him a thorough beating.

However, Zao Bo wasn't weak, especially with his Alakazam and Munna. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to easily erase Lillie's memory.

Thanks to Alakazam's "Teleport", Zao Bo escaped from Aether Paradise and has been missing ever since.

The Aether Foundation, International Police, and League Police have been searching for him throughout Alola.

But with Alola's dense forests and complex terrain, finding him won't be easy if he really wants to hide.

Jinghe didn't take this "small fry" too seriously.

With Zao Bo's intelligence, he'll eventually show up.

After Zao Bo disappeared, the Rocket Trio found Pandirant's child's plush bear in the second-floor ecological area.

After Pandirant's explanation, they understood that the plush bear had been trapped under a fallen tree during an outing. It was later discovered and rescued by Byrne and the Aether Foundation, who brought it back to Aether Paradise for care.

This is why Pandirant couldn't find its child.

Regardless.

Now that mother and child are reunited, the trio's relationship with Pandirant has grown even stronger, and Jinghe promised to apply for a reward for them.

For the trio, these days have been wonderful.

Jinghe found Pandirant to ask for help in looking after the Cradily population temporarily relocated to Melemele Island.

"Ruru~"

Pandirant followed Jinghe to the Cradily's temporary habitat.

The area was not small, surrounded by simple fences. The fences weren't meant to confine the flying Cradily but to clearly demarcate the area.

At the entrance, the "UB Task Force" had set up a temporary base for studying Ultra Beasts.

Several large tactical tents served as the base for the "UB Task Force."

Seeing Jinghe and Pandirant, the busy International Police officers all saluted, their eyes full of respect and admiration.

"Teacher Jinghe."

Lira had already learned that Jinghe was planning to return to Hoenn temporarily and that he would visit her before leaving. So, she immediately came to meet him.

Jinghe, holding the affectionate Pandirant Cub, smiled and introduced it:

"Lira, this is the Pandirant I told you about."

He then turned to Pandirant and said:

"This is one of us. If she ever runs into trouble, do me a favor and lend a hand."

"Ruru~"

Pandirant nodded expressionlessly, scanning the entire "UB Task Force" base and the hive-like nest that looked like a small mountain.

I wonder if there's any honey in there?

"Teacher Jinghe", Lira glanced at the "unremarkable" Pandirant, pulling Jinghe aside and asked softly:

"Is this Pandirant really that powerful?"

"Ruru!"

Hearing this, the Pandirant Cub in Jinghe's arms was the first to show its "displeasure", struggling to show Lira its strength. Jinghe held it firmly.

But honestly, even as a Pandirant Cub, this little one was incredibly strong, inheriting its mother's terrifying arm strength. It might one day become a "god bear."

"Alright, alright, good boy."

Jinghe took out a few energy bars to calm the little one down. He then said to Lira with a serious expression, "If everything goes well, it will be ‘legendary’ level."

"Legendary?!" Lira's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Pandirant.

A regular wild Pokémon could have legendary strength?

This...

How could trainers like them even compete?

"In short, it can handle any enemy that the island guardian can, and even those the guardian can't. It can fly, dive into the sea, and walk on land."

"If you ever encounter an unsolvable problem, just ask for its help. It won't refuse for my sake."

Lira swallowed hard.

No wonder... no wonder Teacher Jinghe wanted the Cradily to move to Melemele Island.

It turns out there's such a powerful being here.

But why did so few people know about it before?

"I understand!" Lira took a deep breath, suppressing her shock, and nodded seriously.

Teacher Jinghe was giving her a trump card to deal with potential troubles.

For example, another Ultra Beast invasion or a Cradily rebellion.

"How are they doing?" Jinghe also looked at the massive, mountain-like nest and asked.

"Very cooperative", Lira replied. "They haven't overstepped any boundaries, just focused on settling in. If they need anything, they let me know in advance."

"I'll go see them."

Returning the Pandirant Cub to Pandirant, Jinghe followed Lira into the "Cradily territory."

As soon as they entered, the Mareanie playing happily in the territory noticed them.

Soon, as Jinghe and Lira approached the massive Cradily nest, all the Cradily and most of the Mareanie gathered there. The Cradily leader landed, waiting for Jinghe's arrival.

"Thank you, thank you for your help, Jinghe", the Cradily leader's voice echoed in Jinghe's mind for the first time.

Jinghe waved his hand and smiled, "Friends help each other."

"Yes, friends!"

The Cradily leader was very pleased with the term "friend."

"Cradily, I..." Jinghe then briefly explained that he would be leaving for a while but would return. If the conditions were right and Ultra Space was restored, he would help them return home.

This earned another heartfelt gratitude from the Cradily leader.

"Roar—"

The leader gently flapped its wings, and two robust, clearly strong Cradily appeared by its side.

"Jinghe, these are our strongest warriors. Let them stay with you to protect your safety."

"Roar—!!"

"Roar!!"

The two Cradily called out excitedly.

Jinghe's forehead broke out in a cold sweat.

Was this to give him bodyguards or to find them a long-term meal ticket?

He quickly said, "No, no, that's not necessary. Ahem, I mean, I can protect myself, and my partners will ensure that. I appreciate your offer."

He firmly declined.

No way.

He already had enough trouble taking care of his own "gold-eating monsters", not to mention the food issues for Regieleki and Regidrago.

Thanks to the International Police's support, Vikavolt and Klefki were taken care of. For this trip back to Hoenn, Jinghe didn't plan to bring Vikavolt and Klefki, letting them stay in the Cradily territory temporarily.

With the Cradily and "UB Task Force" watching over them, and Pandirant as the "last line of defense", everything would be secure.

"Understood", the Cradily leader said, somewhat regretfully.

After handling all the big and small matters, Jinghe finally boarded the plane back to Hoenn.

He still had seven days left before the fifteen days he agreed with Genji.

In the last eight days, he still needed to make some preparations. After all, it was the "Champion's Path", and he needed to show some respect.

Moreover, the saplings and crops he dug up in Alola, as well as the saplings nurtured by Tapu Bulu, needed to be transplanted to his island as soon as possible.

Especially the Revival Herb seedlings.

They shouldn't wilt.

Those were all treasures.

While Jinghe was on his way back to Hoenn, a meeting was held at the Pokémon League Headquarters atop the Silver Mountains.

"Gentlemen", Genji, representing the Hoenn League, stood up and smiled warmly, "I think this will be my last meeting. I've enjoyed working with all of you, and I hope to see you again soon."

Genji's satisfaction made many of the league directors present envious and jealous.

How could this be!

Teacher Jinghe, being from Hoenn, ultimately chose Johto!

Moreover, from Genji's tone, it seemed certain that Teacher Jinghe would pass the "Champion's Path."

Though, few people really doubted it.

In fact, everyone knew that even if Teacher Jinghe didn't fully pass the "Champion's Path", the conditions would be relaxed a bit, and no one would say anything.

Not every region was as strict as the Kanto League.

These were each region's treasures, and being selected to challenge the "Champion's Path" was already a statement.

Unlike the others, the Kikuno Elite Four, representing Sinnoh, didn't feel envious or jealous.

On one hand, they believed their own region wasn't much worse.

On the other hand...

Hmph! Whether Jinghe would really stay in Hoenn was still up for debate.

"Never thought the first time working with Genji would be the last", Dr. Kukui, representing Alola, said with a smile from the end of the table.

The Alola League's application had been officially approved by the Global League!

So, in theory, the Alola League was already established.

Founded by Dr. Kukui!

But currently, the Alola League only had Dr. Kukui.

This meeting was mainly to introduce the Alola League and discuss the support and assistance from other regions in its establishment.

"Ha ha ha", Genji laughed, "Dr. Kukui, you and Jinghe will work well together."

Dr. Kukui smiled, acknowledging Genji's words.

"If we have the chance, we in Galar would also like to invite Teacher Jinghe to assist with our courses", Roz, representing the Galar League, said from behind his desk.

The participants in the Global League meeting weren't just champions and Elite Four members. More accurately, it was the league presidents' job to attend, followed by the champions, and then the Elite Four representing the champions.

In Galar, it was always President Roz who attended.

The same went for the Johto League, Unova League, and Kalos League.

Technically, Dr. Kukui attended as the president.

The only champion attending was Kasumi from the Paldea League, who was also the league president.

On the other hand, the Elite Four representatives were Kanto's Aya, Hoenn's Genji, and Sinnoh's Kikuno Elite Four, all from the older generation, as the leagues were in a transitional phase.

"Chairman Rose, we in Paldea applied for Teacher Jinghe's assistance earlier than Galar", Kasumi, the champion and president of Paldea, said with a smile.

The Orange Academy in Paldea had a deeper collaboration with the Kanaz Pokémon Academy than some schools in Galar.

The Galar region places a high emphasis on battle industries, while schools are generally considered secondary.

Laoz smiled and said nothing in response.

"Gentlemen and Ladies."

At that moment, Jasmine, the head of the League Police and the highest-ranking official of both the League Police and the International Police, spoke from her seat at the conference table:

"Based on Teacher Jinghe's numerous contributions, we are preparing to promote him to the rank of Inspector General."

Inspector General!

A rank just below the highest official, and the only one not from the Jusco family to hold this title!

Jasmine had already discussed this with everyone, and they had all been surprised initially.

So, after a brief moment of silence, a chorus of "I concur" echoed through the room.

The head of the League Police holds a rank equivalent to that of the League's division presidents and champions. Thus, the Inspector General is one rank below the champion.

However, in special circumstances, the Inspector General's authority can surpass that of a regional champion!

A champion represents only one region, while the Inspector General has the power to command all police forces across multiple regions, including the Elite Four!

Definitely at the top tier of the police department!

But then again.

Given Teacher Jinghe's "influence", to be honest, even without the rank of Inspector General or champion, these things would still be within his reach.

So, not many people felt there was a significant issue with the promotion.

Johto.

A small island off the coast of Canalave City.

Although only a few days had passed, the island had undergone significant changes.

One could say that the island's appearance changed daily.

As soon as Jinghe returned to Canalave City, he headed straight for the island.

First, he released the four Beedrill and provided them with a stable living environment and a large number of flower beds for honey collection.

Beedrill and Pokémon like Butterfree have a competitive relationship, while Beedrill and Venomoth get along better.

Currently, the flower beds on the island are abundant, so there won't be any conflicts.

The Beedrill will undoubtedly produce a steady supply of "Sweet Honey" for the island's farm, which will add to its productivity. Jinghe was quite pleased with this.

Once the female Beedrill evolves into a Vespiquen, the Beedrill population will enter a rapid growth phase, which should not take long.

"The reproduction rate of bug-type Pokémon is impressive", Jinghe couldn't help but marvel.

Compared to Pokémon like Kangaskhan, Blissey, and Miltank, bug-type Pokémon reproduce much faster. Once the Beedrill evolve, it won't take more than a year to achieve a significant population.

After settling the Beedrill, Jinghe had Gengar bring out all the saplings, Revival Herb seedlings, and tea tree seedlings.

"Lotad, can you help with the watering?"

First, he moistened the saplings before planting them.

This time, the number of saplings and seedlings was no less than before, and it was destined to be a "major project" that wouldn't be completed in a day.

However, before transplanting, Jinghe had already counted the number of saplings and seedlings.

After all, most of them were cultivated by Tapu Bulu.

As a Mythical Pokémon that governs "fertility", Tapu Bulu worked almost from morning till night to cultivate the energy, and even though it only brought the plants to the sapling stage rather than maturity, the quantity was still considerable.

The cultivation of Revival Herb was more energy-consuming.

Added to the ones Jinghe dug up himself, there were a total of 123 tree saplings, 20 Revival Herb seedlings, and 30 tea tree seedlings, along with some other miscellaneous crops.

This doubled the number of fruit trees on the island!

Excluding the single "Miracle Fruit" sapling, the number of fruit trees alone exceeded 200, reaching 203!

It was already comparable to a small farm.

Among the 123 saplings, the largest number was Sitrus Berry, with 63 saplings!

This was because Jinghe based the number on his household's consumption of fruit, and Sitrus Berry is known for its high consumption rate.

Next were the antidote berries: Cheri, Oran, Rindo, Occa, Passho, and Wacan, each with 10 saplings, totaling 60.

These were the most basic fruit trees, with Passho and Wacan being more distinctive to Alola.

It wasn't that Jinghe didn't want some "advanced" fruit trees.

On one hand, Tapu Bulu indicated that different fruit trees required different levels of cultivation effort. The more "advanced" the fruit tree, the more energy it consumed, and the fewer in number they would be.

On the other hand, Jinghe prioritized meeting his household's daily fruit consumption needs.

Besides, he could always ask Tapu Bulu again in the future.

Far away in Alola, Tapu Bulu sneezed and woke up from its sleep, feeling a chill down its spine.

"Looking forward to their fruiting", Jinghe thought, feeling motivated.

Of course, the first task now was to plant these fruit tree saplings.

The previous batch of fruit trees had already adapted to the new environment, thanks to the wooden statue of Tapu Bulu and the efforts of the Bewear, showing significant growth.

The growth was quite promising.

As for the most special "Miracle Fruit" sapling:

"Hiss~"

Snivy stood in front of the sapling, which was barely as tall as its lower leg, eyes closed, recalling the scene of Tapu Bulu cultivating the sapling.

Using the reverse effect of "Giga Drain", Snivy nurtured the sapling.

Although Snivy hadn't fully mastered Tapu Bulu's method, it had already established a connection with the sapling, and the effect was quite good.

In Jinghe's Waveguide view, Snivy and the sapling seemed to have formed a special bond, with Snivy nurturing the sapling and the sapling, in turn, nourishing Snivy!

"Feels like I've discovered a perpetual motion machine. You two are really 'cheating.'"

Jinghe couldn't help but marvel in his mind.

The Miracle Fruit sapling, the raw material for "Miracle Candy", which can boost a Pokémon's level, might be the second of its kind in the entire Pokémon world, after the one in the Crown Tundra.

"It's not like the Mew and the World Tree, right?"

It shouldn't be.

No matter how magical the Miracle Fruit is, it can't compare to the World Tree.

"This Champion's Path will be a good opportunity to train Snivy."

Although the construction of the island and the planting of fruit trees were important, Jinghe's primary goal for this return was the "Champion's Path."

So, after returning, he temporarily assigned the task of planting the saplings to the Diglett and Bewear, while he, the next day, took his Pokémon to the special training ground of the Kanaz Pokémon Academy.

Aipom Lady, eager to participate, joined them.

Thanks to Mewtwo's training, Aipom Lady's Psychic Power had improved significantly.

Aipom Lady was also excited about the "Champion's Path", and Jinghe, who had promised to bring her, naturally included her in the preparations.

Before the preparations, however, Jinghe decided to assess his Pokémon's current capabilities.

An assessment, of course, meant a long-awaited team battle.

Or, a "family status" challenge.

To determine who would be the "emperor" and who would be the "minister."

So, upon arriving at the training ground, Jinghe released all the Poké Balls and summoned his Pokémon.

Including Regieleki, Regidrago, and the invisible Beartic, as well as Marshadow, who preferred not to be seen by outsiders.

Of course, they wouldn't participate in the battle but would watch alongside Jinghe.

In total, there were ten Pokémon, including Aipom Lady and Rotom, which Jinghe divided into two teams: Team One and Team Two.

Team One consisted of Gengar, Nine-Tails, Forger, Dratini, Thicklipuku, and Crimson Blade Phantom.

Team Two included Blastoise, Snivy, Aipom Lady, and Rotom.

However, it wasn't that Team One would only fight Team One and Team Two would only fight Team Two. Team Two could also challenge Team One.

A simple ranking battle.

To help everyone get a clearer understanding of each other's strengths, to work better together, and to improve.

"Gengar!"

Gengar raised his hand first, eager to fight.

Then Jinghe caught him and held him down by his side.

If you, the purple little fatty, go first, what's the point of a ranking battle?

"Let's set some rules. Everyone uses their regular abilities, no enhancements, and I won't use Waveguide assistance. As for moves, you decide for yourselves."

Jinghe laid down the rules.

"Aipom!"

Aipom Lady smiled warmly, rubbing her hands together.

Requesting to battle!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end